Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a member of the community who this year will serve as a delegate to the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebration, which will be held in Varanasi, India from January 21 to 23.

Dr. Mistry was born in India but emigrated to the United States in 1978. She has served the community as a pediatric dentist, delivering high quality treatment and care to young children and teenagers in New York for the past 38 years.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event occurs every two years, and is an opportunity for the Government of India to recognize the contributions made by the overseas Indian community. This year, the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is associated with two other major events for India, the Kumbh Mela and India's 70th Republic Day. By including Dr. Mistry among the delegates for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the celebration is further enriched because of her tremendous contributions to the Tarrytown community.

Congratulations to Dr. Mistry on receiving this wonderful and well- deserved recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 115) to require the Department of State to establish a policy regarding the use of location-tracking consumer devices by employees at diplomatic and consular facilities, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 115, currently under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, before I talk about the bill, I want to very briefly acknowledge the fact that this is the first debate we have had with bills in the Foreign Affairs Committee since the new Congress. I want to welcome Mr. McCaul to the very important position--which I had for the past 6 years--of ranking member. And I know that, as chairman, the Foreign Affairs Committee for the past 6 years has had a record of being the most bipartisan committee in the Congress. I hope and I know that that will continue with this Congress, and that the respect that all Members have shown each other will continue the tradition of the Foreign Affairs Committee. I look forward to working with Mr. McCaul in that regard.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 115, the Protecting Diplomats from Surveillance Through Consumer Devices Act. I thank Mr. Castro for introducing this legislation.

Before I get into the merits of this particular bill, which is designed to protect diplomats from cyber snooping, I would be remiss if I failed to express my deep concern that thousands of Department of State employees and diplomats are furloughed without pay.

I am hearing stories of State Department officials struggling to make ends meet, taking up side jobs and having garage sales to stay afloat. By keeping America's diplomats away from their jobs, we are harming our national security. We need to end this shutdown, and we need to end it now.

Now, I will turn to the excellent bill before us today. This measure aims to ensure the Department of State has policies in place to help prevent our adversaries from tracking the locations

of our foreign service officers through their electronic devices.

From Fitbits and smartwatches to phones and cars, most of us have at least one tracking device with us at all times. Many of us would literally be lost without these devices, but they pose security risks as well.

This commonsense measure would make sure the Secretary of State has a policy in place on using location tracking consumer devices at our diplomatic and consular facilities around the world.

This is a good bill that passed the House unanimously in the last Congress, and I urge my colleagues to support its passage again today.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, let me say that the Protecting Diplomats from Surveillance Through Consumer Devices Act is a commonsense way to improve the safety of U.S. personnel overseas.

I urge my colleagues to support the measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 133) to promote economic partnership and cooperation between the United States and Mexico.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 133, currently under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

I rise in support of this measure. I thank Representative Cuellar for introducing this measure, and I will discuss its merits in a moment.

But I can't stand in good conscience on the House floor to talk about our economic partnership with Mexico and not speak for a moment on what is happening right now on our southern border.

The government is currently shut down, with thousands of workers furloughed and prevented from doing their jobs. This is something that should be ameliorated quickly. Government should open.

The measure before us today deals with the incredibly important relationship with our neighbor to the south, Mexico. Mexico is our close friend and ally and a country with which we have extraordinarily close cultural and person-to-person ties.

This bill builds on the Obama administration's 100,000 Strong in the Americas initiative by requiring the Secretary of State to expand the exchange programs and allow our students and business leaders to share and learn from each other.

It is also crucial that we send a strong message to the Mexican people that the United States Congress will not walk away from them despite the damage done to the relationship.

As I have said many times in the House Foreign Affairs Committee and on the House floor, the United States should be in the business of building bridges, not walls, to our friends in Mexico.

By passing this measure today, the House of Representatives is recommitting itself to our bilateral relationship. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I want to close by again emphasizing the importance of the U.S.-Mexico relationship.

Twenty years ago, it would have been hard to imagine coming to the House floor in support of a bipartisan bill on educational exchanges with Mexico. Now, a bill like this will glide through the House with little, if any, opposition, just as it did last year. But we cannot take cooperation for granted. We have to keep on working with Mexico to improve our relationship.

I thank my colleagues for supporting me and joining me in supporting this legislation to double down on the successes in the U.S.-Mexico partnership, and I urge its immediate passage.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 192) to establish an interagency program to assist countries in North and West Africa to improve immediate and long-term capabilities to counter terrorist threats, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 192, currently under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

I rise in support of this measure. I would like to begin by again thanking Mr. McCaul for once again putting forward this legislation. I look forward to working with him, as I mentioned before, as he begins his role as the ranking member on the Foreign Affairs Committee.

The bill before us today authorizes the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership. This interagency program was established in 2005 to help America's partners in the Sahel and Maghreb regions counter terrorism and violent extremism.

In places where instability leads to terrorism and conflict, it is important that we collaborate with our allies and that our policy is driven by a united interagency effort. That is why this bill is so important.

By coordinating our diplomatic, military, and development efforts in our own government and with partners abroad, the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership strengthens our response to the international security threats facing these regions of Africa.

Passing this legislation, which authorizes an existing program, will also enhance the ability of Congress to conduct thorough oversight.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, which already passed the House last year, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I again thank Mr. McCaul for his work on this measure and state again that I look forward to working side by side with him as chairman and ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee. This bill authorizes an important program that strengthens our efforts to assist partners in the Sahel and Maghreb to counter terrorism and violent extremism.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleague to support this important legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 221) to amend the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to monitor and combat anti-Semitism globally, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 221, currently under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 221. I am a proud original cosponsor of this bill, and I am pleased we are considering it today. We passed it with bipartisan, unanimous support in the last Congress, and I am looking forward to seeing us show that broad support again. In this Congress, we must continue to stand against anti-Semitism.

I thank my colleagues for their hard work on this effort: Congressman Chris Smith, the author of this legislation, and my fellow co-chairs of the Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating Anti-Semitism. I am proud to stand with a group of legislators committed to fighting intolerance and hatred.

Mr. Speaker, we have seen a sickening increase in anti-Semitism over the past few years. Just a few months ago, a gunman stormed a synagogue in Pittsburgh, attacking peaceful congregants and killing 11 people. We have seen people who embrace hatred and bigotry given a new, loud megaphone to spread their poison. Across the United States, we have seen an uptick in anti-Semitic language and an increase in threats of violence against Jewish communities. In my home State of New York, NYPD officials have reported an alarming surge of anti-Semitic hate crimes.

Every day, more and more alarming anti-Semitic incidents are happening across the world: Holocaust survivors recently assaulted, rallies and parades glorifying Nazi leaders, and swastikas graffitied to incite fear and terror. The list goes on and on.

This is appalling, and it demands immediate action.

As a country, we need to come together to say enough is enough. We need to confront evil, call it by its name, and say there is no place for it anywhere in the United States or around the world. We need to do it as citizens. We need to do so in our laws and in our policies. We need to make sure that we fill the positions that are supposed to be dealing with this issue. The Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism position at the State Department is still vacant, and that is simply unacceptable.

We must have a senior official push back against intolerance and hatred of anti-Semitism. American leadership is desperately needed in the fight against this ancient form of hatred. I am sick and tired of foot-dragging on filling this critical position.

That is why I am glad we are moving this bill forward. This legislation would elevate the Special Envoy position and require the President to put forward a nominee no more than 120 days after a vacancy. This is essential for making sure that a prolonged vacancy like we have right now never happens again. We must have a senior State Department official dedicated to coordinating U.S. Government efforts to combat anti-Semitism abroad.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this measure. I ask my colleagues to join me in doing so, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Schneider), who is the Democratic lead on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Deutch), one of my fellow co-chairs of a bipartisan task force to combat anti-Semitism.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey), my good friend. She and I have districts that border each other.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings).

(Mr. HASTINGS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

In closing, let me say that I strongly support this bipartisan bill. As all of my colleagues have said, we can never become complacent when we see anti-Semitism rear its ugly head. We need to reject it. We need to fight it. We need to shine a light in all the dark corners so it has no place to hide and fester.

What does that look like when it comes to foreign policy?

It starts by appointing a senior diplomat, someone we can point to with confidence and say, ``You are leading America's effort to grapple with this problem around the world.''

This bill would make sure that that seat will not remain vacant the way it has for the last 2 years. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation. I am proud that we have such bipartisan support for this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I want to honor a dear friend who has made such a remarkable impact in our community for more than 40 years, Reverend Dr. Keith Elijah Thompson of Bronx Miracle Gospel Tabernacle Word of Faith Ministries.

Many have referred to Rev. Thompson as the ``Man in the Community'' due to his four decades of service to the northeast Bronx. After a successful career as an entrepreneur, he answered the call from God and entered full-time ministry in 1980. From the inception of the ministry, Rev. Thompson integrated a holistic approach, giving special attention to the Tripartite nature of human beings to establish communication beyond the confines of church. Starting out as a simple storefront, Bronx Miracle Gospel Tabernacle World grew by leaps and bounds. In 1993 the Church moved locations to accommodate the growing congregation. Now located on Burke Avenue, the church began to expand further into the community through a series of outreach programs including GED and college prep courses, in addition to Missions and radio outreach.

Rev. Thompson was also instrumental in spearheading several other high-profile community initiatives and groups, including the Clergy Coalition of the 47th Precinct and the White Plains Road/Burke Avenue Merchant Association. He also served as Dean of El Shaddai Christian School, Vice President of the 49th Precinct Clergy Council, member of the 47th Precinct Community Council, and has been active with Bronx Community Board 12 and the Williamsbridge and Bronx branches of the NAACP. As Chancellor of the Bronx Resource Community Center, which he helped form, Rev. Thompson oversaw a facility that provided high school equivalency diplomas, job training, and basic computer training to the community.

In October 2014 Bronx Miracle Gospel Tabernacle World moved once again to accommodate growing membership. The move has allowed Rev. Thompson to further expand services, which now include Back to School Festivals and clothing donation distribution.

Rev. Thompson has accomplished so much for his congregants and for the entire northeast Bronx community as a whole. This year, Bronx Miracle Gospel Tabernacle World is celebrating his 38th Pastoral Anniversary. On this wonderful occasion, I want to congratulate Rev. Thompson and thank him for the wonderful work he and his ministries continue to do.

Mr. Speaker, our community here in New York's 16th Congressional District is very fortunate to have Taryn Duffy, a friend who this year is being honored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians for all her outstanding work. I want to take a moment to recognize her on the occasion.

Taryn has extensive experience within the New York State public policy arena, as well as public relations and communications. As Vice President of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs for Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway, Taryn oversees public relations and external affairs. She is also principal of TSD Strategies, Inc., a public relations and communications firm founded in 2014.

As a former Vice President at Mercury Public Affairs, a national public strategy firm, Taryn put her experience to work for clients in a variety of industries. She has worked on dozens of political campaigns and briefly departed the political world to serve as Director of Admissions of Mercy College's Bronx Campus.

Recognized as an advocate for volunteer service and civic engagement, Taryn was a recipient of City & State Magazine's Above and Beyond Award, a Bronx Chamber of Commerce Honoree for distinguished service, and honored as a Women of Influence by the Irish Voice.

Outside of her many professional accomplishments, Taryn is passionate about mentoring young women in their careers and served as a panelist for the Workforce Development Institute's ``Women in Leadership: Securing a Seat at the Table'' forum hosted by Senate Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and then-Assembly Member Shelley Mayer. She was also a panelist at City & State Magazine's ``On Advocacy'' conference to assist non-profit organizations in their advocacy efforts and has led campaign readiness trainings for women interested in running for political office.

Active in numerous civic and professional organizations, Taryn serves on a variety of boards including United Way of Westchester & Putnam Counties, Business Council of Westchester, ArtsWestchester, Yonkers Workforce Development Board, the Yonkers Mayor's Women's Advisory Council, Bronx Advisory Council for Visions Services for the Blind, Yonkers Career & Technical Education Advisory Council, and Bronxville Terrace Owners Corporation. She is also a member of The Public Relations Society of America.

Taryn Duffy has accomplished a great deal and has made some tremendous contributions to the community. AOH picked a most deserving honoree. Congratulations to Taryn.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize a wonderful organization in my district that this year is celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Community Resource Center located in Mamaroneck, New York.

The mission of CRC is today more important than ever. Formerly the Hispanic Resource Center, it is a 501(c)(3) community-based organization founded in 1998 to promote the cultural, economic, educational and professional integration of immigrants to the already established larger community. It is also dedicated to advocating for those in need. CRC aims to provide the tools to prepare new immigrant families to become self-sufficient and active members of the community.

Over its 20 years in existence, CRC has grown from a community initiative designed and acting as a clearinghouse of information and referral services, to an organization that provides comprehensive direct client services and programs. The Center provides a host of educational programs, case management and referral services and advocate for immigrants and low-income families in need. In the past year, the Center served nearly 4,000 adults, youth, and children in three primary areas: Case management and social services; Educational programs and workshops; and Worker Center-job placement for men and women seeking employment. The Center understands that the Westchester community is strengthened by cultural and economic diversity, and the work they do in support of that cannot be overstated.

Mr. Speaker, the America I know welcomes all immigrants and isn't afraid to lend a helping hand to those in need. I am proud to represent an organization like Community Resource Center that provides that loving hand every single day. Congratulations to the entire CRC team on 20 wonderful years serving the community, and here's to many more.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to recognize a dear friend, Jerry Friedman, who this year is celebrating his remarkable 90th birthday in addition to his 63rd wedding anniversary to his wonderful wife, Lillian.

Lillian and Jerry were married in the Bronx on December 10th, 1955. Together they have two children, Lynn and Stuart, who were both born while the couple lived in Brooklyn, and now 2 grandchildren, Sophie and Ben. In 1971, the Friedman family moved to Co-op City, which is where Pat and I met them as members of the Co-op City Democratic Club. We have been close ever since.

Jerry was a very active member on the Riverbay Board for many years, and at one point served as Vice President for three terms. He was also instrumental in the rent strike, acting as an advocate for residents. When I first ran for State Assembly, Jerry and Lillian were two of my earliest supporters. I'll never forget the faith they placed in me.

Outside of his activism, Jerry is a wonderful amateur photographer whose pictures have hung in the Riverdale Y and other local spots. He was also very active in the Boy Scouts and over the years rose to their highest office.

In addition, Jerry served on the Board of Visitors at Bronx Psychiatric Center, which provides a continuum of inpatient, outpatient and related psychiatric services with inpatient hospitalization at the main campus.

Mr. Speaker, I have long cherished my friendship with Jerry Friedman and I count myself incredibly fortunate to have known him for so many years. He is a terrific individual who has done so much to help strengthen our community here in the Bronx, and I am honored to be able to recognize him on this wonderful occasion. Congratulations to Jerry on an incredible 90 years.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct privilege to honor and recognize the accomplishments of a dear friend, a dedicated public servant, and an overall wonderful human being, my colleague Congressman Joe Crowley. This year, the Ancient Order of Hibernians in the Bronx is honoring Joe at their Annual Dinner Dance. They could not have picked a more deserving honoree.

Joe and I go way back, starting with our days together in Albany as Members of the New York State Assembly. A native of Woodside, Queens and lifelong New Yorker, Joe has served the people of the Bronx and Queens in Congress since 1998. Before being elected to Congress, Joe received a bachelor's degree from Queens College, ran a successful small business for nearly a decade and represented the 30th Assembly District in the New York State legislature. Throughout his career in public service, Joe has been driven by a desire to protect New York's middle class.

Joe has always been dedicated to making the Bronx-Queens community more prosperous and secure. He established the Crime Stoppers program in 2002 to support local organizations that are working to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods, and it has delivered more than $1 million in federal funding to the Bronx-Queens community for graffiti clean-up, after-school programming, and civic patrol efforts.

As Chairman of the Democratic Caucus, the fourth-highest ranking position in House Democratic Leadership, Joe's efforts in Congress focused on building strong communities, creating jobs, increasing access to health care and housing, protecting seniors' hard-earned benefits, and opening up educational opportunities for working families.

When not fighting for his constituents, Joe can be found spending time with his lovely family--wife Kasey Crowley and their three children--or playing with his band.

Both local and national media have recognized Joe for his effective and impressive record of leadership in Congress. The New York Times has noted that his peers consider him to be a ``hard working representative'' who is ``an impassioned advocate for his district.'' I couldn't have said it better myself. Come January I will miss Joe's presence in Washington, but I know he will continue to be a powerful force for good in the New York City community. Congratulations to Joe on this honor and a remarkable career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate one of the great religious institutions in my district, the Lincoln Park Jewish Center located in Yonkers. This year, the Center is celebrating its remarkable 80th Anniversary and I would like to take the opportunity to recognize that feat in Congress.

Lincoln Park Jewish Center is an inclusive, modern Orthodox Jewish congregation that strives to create spiritual growth through prayer, acceptance, community and fellowship. To achieve this goal, the synagogue supports the following: HaMakom Tefilah, a place to increase spirituality with heartfelt prayer by encouraging personal growth through participation, self-reflection, and spontaneity; HaMakom Ahavat Chinam, unconditional love and acceptance, regardless of background or current level of observance; HaMakom Limud Torah, a place to search and study Torah leading to a more fulfilling Jewish life; and HaMakom Simcha, a place to enjoy and celebrate.

The congregation at Lincoln Park Jewish Center is currently led by Rabbi Levi Welton, who was ordained by the prestigious Machon Ariel Institute of Jerusalem in 2005 and has since then served congregations in Australia, San Francisco, and, of course, Yonkers New York. His pastoral experiences include young professional development, inter- faith work, community building and multimedia production. Additionally, Rabbi Welton is the Founder of the Torah Values Network, a staff writer for New York Jewish Life Magazine, and a Captain in the United States Air Force.

The Lincoln Park Jewish Center has provided incredible support to its congregants and the community for 80 years now. Here's to 80 more. Congratulations to Rabbi Welton and the entire Lincoln Park Jewish Center family on this great occasion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated public servant in the Yonkers community, Dr. Andrea Coddett, who this year has been named ``Woman of the Year 2018'' by the Luther V. Garrison Sr. Masonic Foundation Inc.

Dr. Coddett is the Deputy Superintendent for the Yonkers Public Schools. In her role, she oversees the Division of Teaching and Learning, ensuring that all curriculum is aligned to the New York State Learning Standards and that all instruction is aligned to 21st Century learning skills, so students are prepared for college and or careers. As the Chairperson of the Yonkers Basics Advisory Board, Dr. Coddett leads a team of approximately 40 volunteer members from various community sectors charged with saturating the community with five research-based interactive pillars proven effective in redressing cognitive and social-emotional inequities due to poverty.

Dr. Coddett began her career in education as a Special Education teacher after which she became a building-level Math Specialist. In her administrative career, Dr. Coddett has worked as a District Math Specialist PreK-12, an Early Childhood Principal, a K-5 principal, a Director of Secondary Special Education and an Assistant Superintendent for Instruction K-12.

Dr. Coddett is a graduate of Fordham University where she earned a doctorate in Executive Leadership. She holds Masters Degrees in Curriculum and Instruction with a Reading specialization and Educational Administration from Pace University and a Bachelor degree in Psychology from Mercy College. Dr. Coddett also holds administrative certifications in School District Administration and School Building Administration and Supervision, as well as teaching certifications in Special Education, birth through 21, and General Education, N-6. Dr. Coddett continues to influence school transformation and policy decisions by serving on Carnegie Foundation's national Improvement Leadership Education and Development (iLEAD) steering committee with university and school-based educators committed to integrating improvement science principles into leadership development and educational practice.

Having lived in and been educated in four different countries on three different continents, Dr. Coddett considers herself a global citizen. It is her contention that as an educational leader, she is one of the gate-keepers of tomorrow and believes that each and every child deserves an excellent education. As a former classroom teacher myself, I happen to agree wholeheartedly. Dr. Coddett has achieved a great deal and is well deserving of this honor. Congratulations to her on receiving this wonderful recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the largest co- operative housing development in the nation and a place that holds a particularly meaningful place in my heart, Co-op City in the Bronx. This year, Co-op City celebrates its 50th Anniversary and as such stands as one of the great housing successes in our country's history.

Co-op City is a New York State Mitchell-Lama housing cooperative with apartments in high-rise and townhouse buildings. There are three shopping centers on Co-op City property, 8 parking garages, professional offices and a complete educational park.

Construction of Co-op City began in 1966 on a site that was formerly home to an amusement park at which I used to work as a young man called ``Freedomland.'' Residents began moving into the complex in 1968, and construction was completed in 1973. Co-op City is divided into five sections, with each section denoted by a letter of the alphabet. Co-op City is managed by the Riverbay Corporation and is led by a Board of 15 residents, each elected to three-year terms.

Co-op City is a special place, not just to me, but to the thousands of people who have had the privilege of calling it home over the years. I myself am a former Co-op City resident, and my family and I lived there for many years. I have so many fond memories from my time there; from starting a family to beginning my career in public service, I can trace so many wonderful moments and life-events back to my Co-op City days. I can also trace so many wonderful friendships back to Co-op City, many I still cherish to this day.

As fortunate as I was to have lived in Co-op City, I am just as fortunate to now represent Co-op City in the halls of Congress. I hope that my service can in some way give back to the community that has given me so much.

As a part of the Mitchell-Lama housing program, Co-op City has provided quality housing at an affordable rate to generations of New Yorkers. As we celebrate its 50th Anniversary, it's important to reflect on just how fortunate we are to have such a strong and thriving housing development in the Bronx. I'm proud to say I lived in Co-op City, and I'm just as proud to still serve Co-op City today as Congressman.

Congratulations to the Riverbay Board, the entire Co-op City community, and all the residents who have made the past 50 years in Co- op City a tremendous success

Mr. Speaker, our houses of worship are often the ties that bind our communities together. In Rye, few institutions have been as successful in strengthening the neighborhood and bringing people together as the Community Synagogue of Rye, which this year is celebrating its remarkable 70th Anniversary.

One Sunday in early autumn 1948, 7-year-old Betty Wolder asked her parents if she could go to church with her friend Susan who was Christian. Her parents explained that since they were Jewish and did not belong to Susan's church, she could not attend. Betty continued to ask questions and her parents wanted to give her better answers. The Wolders contacted the few Jewish people they knew in Rye about forming a Jewish religious school, and a sponsoring group of families. The response was extraordinarily positive, and the rest is history.

A beautiful mansion--built in 1903 at 200 Forest Avenue--was purchased in June of 1950, and Rabbi Samuel H. Gordon, an experienced, widely traveled liberal Rabbi, was hired as the first spiritual leader in 1950. From there, Community Synagogue grew and flourished. The congregation is now around 500 families and over 300 students from Rye, and several communities between Greenwich and White Plains. The synagogue has an ambitious education program for both children and adults, numerous opportunities to become involved in social action, beautiful worship services, and life cycle celebrations. Their enthusiastic and active committees help make the synagogue a dynamic and caring community, and their work has grown beyond the congregation to serve the greater community.

Community Synagogue of Rye has had an amazing 70 years. Congratulations to the leadership and congregation on this occasion.

Mr. Speaker, the importance of a free and open press cannot be overstated, especially in our local communities. I am very fortunate to represent a district that is covered by the Irish Echo, an outstanding local newspaper, which is led by my friend and one of this year's Ancient Order of Hibernians' honorees, Ray O'Hanlon.

As Ranking Member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I have had the pleasure of working with Ray for many years on a wide variety of topics, including Irish-American issues which have always been particularly close to my heart.

Ray is the editor of the New York-published Irish Echo. A native of Dublin who worked for

the Irish Press newspaper group before moving to the United States in 1987, Ray has reported from three continents in a news career spanning 39 years.

In addition to his work as a reporter and editor, Ray has been a frequent contributor to U.S., Irish, and British media outlets reporting on Ireland, Irish-American affairs, and Anglo-Irish relations. He has appeared on CBS 60 minutes, ABC World News Tonight, and the Lehrer News Hour on PBS. He has also been interviewed on RTE, BBC and ITV, both television and radio.

A prolific writer, Ray's book, ``The New Irish Americans'' (Roberts Rinehart, 1998) was the recipient of a Washington Irving Book Award. ``The South Lawn Plot,'' his first fiction work, was published in 2011 by Boston-based Gemma Media publishers. Ray is currently working on a new book on Irish immigration that will have a particular focus on the 1965 Immigration Reform and Nationality Act. A graduate of University College Dublin, Ray lives with his wife Lisa, a native of Danville, Illinois, in Ossining, New York. They have three grown children: Kate, Liz and Jack.

Ray O'Hanlon has accomplished a great deal over a long and distinguished career. He is most deserving of this wonderful recognition from AOH. Congratulations to Ray and I thank him for all he continues to do on behalf of our community.